Ripapa Island Historic Reserve
Alert/Important notice
Closed due to earthquake damage
Introduction
Tucked close against the southern shore of Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour), the small island of Ripapa was an ideal site for a fortified pa for Ngāi Tahu and later, a fortress to defend against Russian attacks.
Features
Disappearing gun at sunrise,
Fort Jervois, Ripapa Island
Fort Jervois and big guns
One of four sites used to defend Lyttleton Harbour, Ripapa Island was built in response to the perceived "Russian scare". The walled fort, dating from 1886, survives today and is the most complete "Russian scare" fort in New Zealand. Of particular significance are two large disappearing guns, still virtually complete, which very rare examples of their kind. The fort was occupied by the army until the end of World War I and re-occupied again during World War II.
Fort Jervois, Ripapa Island
Small island - big history
A fortified pa was built here in the early nineteenth century by Taununu, a Ngai Tahu chief who had moved south from Kaikoura.
Several skirmishes were fought on the shores and slopes surrounding Ripapa. Ngāi Tahu occupied Ripapa until about 1832, when the chief Te Whakarukeruke left to help defend Kaiapoi against Te Rauparaha.
Ripapa Island was used as a quarantine station for new immigrants from 1873 to 1885. In 1880 the Island was used temporarily as a prison for 150 of Te Whiti's followers, transported from Taranaki.
Displays on the island provide more information about its history.
Location
Southern shores of Lyttelton Harbour (Whakaraupō), near Christchurch.
Getting there
The island is only accessible by boat.
Guided tours by Black Cat Tours, Ph +64 3 328 9078. Tours are for parties numbering 16+ and are by arrangement only.
Plan and prepare
Ngāi Tahu wish to encourage understanding of and respect for the values of this special place. Visitors are asked to be aware that eating food on the island denigrates its tapu status.
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Guides and commercial tourism providers